Aim: To evaluate the use of Concept Maps as an educational intervention in the
development of Critical Thinking abilities during Practice Learning Placements
over the course of one year with one cohort of final year pre-registration nursing
students.
The Research Hypothesis: The research hypothesis is that a positive
relationship will be demonstrated between the use of Concept Maps and the
development of Critical Thinking abilities.
Methods: A quasi-experimental non-equivalent groups design was used with
one experimental and one control group of final year undergraduate student
nurses on the adult branch of a BSc (Honours) nursing programme over the
course of one year. Data were collected in three phases at various points
identified below